Recently, on the first Sunday of the month, I slid into church a couple of minutes late and sat in the back row. As the service proceeded, I enjoyed watching a family sitting in front of me with four young children. My best guesses were: a boy of 12, girls about 9 and 8 and a boy around 6. All were well-behaved, and the mother, sitting in the middle, repeatedly quick-glanced in both directions to make sure.
Toward the end of the service, she leaned over to her youngest boy, probably a first grader, and whispered, “You can take communion today.”
It was as if he’d been told there was a new bike waiting for him in the parking lot. He wiggled and squirmed with excitement he could barely contain, gently tugging on his older brother’s sleeve as if to say, “Did you hear that? Mom said I could!”
As the plate of crackers came, he didn’t hesitate but took one and passed it on. Soft music played as he studied his tiny treasure, looking back and forth between his cracker and his mother’s face. She smiled and put her hands together to let him know he should pray, and immediately he bowed his head. When the pastor gave the signal to eat, he looked at his brother, who gave him the go-ahead. A similar routine occurred with the cup.
I can’t stop thinking about this little guy’s enthusiasm for communion. He made a joyful mark on me, and I knew God was watching him with satisfaction. I prayed this child would always remember the happiness he felt as he took communion for the first time.
Children are naturally drawn to Jesus. Scripture says so, and it’s still true today. God must have endowed them with a special understanding of his love. They never question it and usually receive salvation as the uncomplicated gift it is. They have no thoughts of “what about this or that…” and simply trust that he is who he says he is. What delight this must bring to the heart of the Father. If only we adults could think in the same unfettered way.
This little boy’s behavior showed he’d been prepared for communion and schooled in the deep significance of the cross. I hope when he put his head on the pillow that night, his mom or dad asked for his thoughts about the morning. He might have taught them something special.
Once in a while, all of us would do well to think like a child.
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.” (Rev. 3:20)
Praising and Praying with Mary
- Praise for long, nourishing naps after chemo treatments.
- Pray for wisdom on Wednesday as we meet again with the GI specialist about the painful feeding tube.
- Pray that the mild nausea I’m experiencing tonight won’t flare up tomorrow.
- Pray for enough strength to have fun with 5 grandchildren this week.